Life’s Little Hurdles

Writers: Aaron, Heather
Date Posted: 22nd July 2025

Characters: Veslera, Toman
Description: Veslera brings up Rixana and Tomendre to Toman.
Location: Leeward Lagoon Hold
Date: month 6, day 1 of Turn 12
Notes: Mentioned: Rixara, Tomendre

Veslera

Veslera's skin seemed to glow in the soft lighting of the room as she put on her nightly creams. Her golden hair was loose from its severe bun and fell in amber waves down her back and over her porcelain shoulders.

"Toman," she called to her husband. She was seated in front of her vanity, and as she waited for him, she dabbed some lip balm onto her pouty lips with one finger.

"Yes, darling?" Toman approached from behind and gently massaged Veslera's shoulders and kissed the top of her head.

"I would like to talk with you about Tomendre. I've had an idea," she said, putting on the doting tone of motherly affection that would be
appropriate when talking about her step-son.

Although he had still yet to unveil the decree about officially naming Toveran his heir after Tomendre expressed interest in being the hold's steward in what Toman was sure was dutiful deference to his brother by Toman’s faithful wife -- don't judge him, that's a big deal --

Toman was sure his faithful wife understood exactly what he and Tomendre meant to do. So when she said she had an idea for him, he assumed it was in the vein of strengthening the Hold's connections both by his blood and by way of his eventual role as his brother's faithful and adept steward.

So he smiled with excitement.

"Tell me, my love."

"Do you know Rixana? Her family lost their Holding? She and her siblings have been here ever since." Veslera placed her hands on top of her husband's. "I saw her today and she is such a lovely girl. A vision. Despite them losing their Hold, she _is_ of Blood and I think a fine match for Tomendre."

It really would be brilliant. It was a perfect way to meld in influence for The Island all while giving up none.

"It would be a wonderful way to enrich The Island. And to restore some dignity to Rixana's poor family, I think." Toman nodded. This would be perfect. Clearly, his dear wife had already thought everything through like the brilliant Lady she was. All they really needed at this point was Tomendre to agree to the plan.

It was not as though he had ever been anything but fully cognizant and concerned with the wellbeing of The Island first and foremost.

"The moment Tomendre agrees, we can begin with the planning." Of course, Toman had always let his beloved firstborn have the ultimate say over his own life.

Just as Toman's own dear elder brother had over his.

Veslera was pleased by how easily her husband agreed to the marriage opportunity. She had no doubt his son would agree. Tomendre was annoyingly obedient sometimes. **But now it shall work in _my_
favorite,** she thought, her eyebrow arching a bit as she regarded her reflection in the mirror.

"A wedding would be a wonderful event for Leeward Lagoon, don't you think?" It would be a great opportunity to show off the growth and
prosperity to neighboring Holds.

"I do think," Toman agreed. "We'll surely be in a long season of weddings soon enough." After all, he had at least five other children who were either old enough or approaching it. "But Tomendre has been single far too long. Have you spoken to the girl's mother?"

"I wanted to run it by you first," Veslera admitted. "But now that I have your approval, I'll reach out to Rixara's mother."

Toman was not sure whether to smile because Veslera thought he might disagree with her or because she wanted to ask him anyway. But he smiled.

"Perfect." He kissed her cheek. "Thank you, my darling."

**No, thank _you_,** Veslera thought, leaning into the touch of her husband's lips on her cheek. This was one hurdle crossed in her quest to kill Tomendre.

Last updated on the July 29th 2025

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Life’s Little Hurdles